REGINA - In light of Statistics Canada’s latest inflation figures, Official Opposition Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon called on the Sask. Party government to immediately address the cost-of-living crisis and take the pressure off hard-working Saskatchewan families, farms and businesses.
“The latest inflation figures are alarming,” said Wotherspoon. “The cost of gas, groceries and all the basics remain at an all time high in Saskatchewan while prices drop across the country. Saskatchewan is in the worst affordability crisis in 40 years and it’s an emergency. We need strong leadership and urgent action.”
In July, inflation decelerated in 8 provinces while in Saskatchewan it held at 8.1 per cent, a figure which now exceeds the national average of 7.6 per cent. Food prices in Saskatchewan are up 8.4 per cent in July year-over-year, an increase over June’s year-over-year comparison.
“Even though government coffers are overflowing with resource revenues the government still continues to make a bad situation worse by hiking taxes, utilities and fees,” said Wotherspoon. “Instead of throwing Saskatchewan people a lifeline, the Sask. Party government has tossed them an anchor.”
The Official Opposition continues its calls on the government to:
- Scrap the Sask. Party’s new PST and fee hikes
- Suspend the provincial fuel tax
- Deliver fuel and cost-of-living rebates from windfall resource revenues
- Cancel the power and energy hikes
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